From Sen. Tom Reilly (D-Oskaloosa)

May 6, 2010

Our country has been hit hard by the national recession. Yet things are looking brighter here in Iowa.

Our state government is nationally recognized for strong fiscal management. Iowa is one of only seven states to receive the highest possible bond rating from the three national bond rating agencies. The independent agencies all give Iowa AAA status.

Our business climate is also strong compared to other states. Forbes, the respected business magazine, recently included several Iowa communities on its list of America’s “Best Places for Business and Careers.”

Des Moines ranked No. 1 overall. Five smaller Iowa cities were in the top 20 (Iowa City -2, Waterloo -13, Sioux City -14, Dubuque -15, and Ames -17). Cedar Rapids was named the top city in America for projected job growth.

According to Forbes, Iowa’s success comes from our low cost of doing business, low cost of living, well-educated workers, and employment levels that are expected to increase along with household incomes.

Iowa also ranks high in other recent economic rankings:

•MarketWatch placed Des Moines No. 1 in the country for doing business.

•The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis named Iowa the eighth-fastest growing economy in the nation.

This national recognition says a lot about the Legislature’s bipartisan efforts to foster a pro-business climate.

2010 Iowa maps now available

The 2010 edition of the Iowa Transportation Map is now available at driver’s license locations, Iowa DOT district offices, rest areas and welcome centers throughout the state.

To order a free Iowa travel packet that includes the new map, call 800-345-IOWA (4692) or visit www.traveliowa.com/. You can also view the transportation map and other Iowa maps online at www.iowadotmaps.com/.

New scholarship opportunity for military family members

Through May 15, ThanksUSA is accepting applications for need-based scholarships for children and spouses of U.S. military personnel. The organization plans to award 500 scholarships at $3,000 each in 2010.

Scholarships for dependent children and spouses are for first-time undergraduate study at an accredited two- or four-year college, university or vocational-technical school. Spouses may also use the award for non-degree licensure/certification programs.